Semaphore.



J. ERICKSON.

' SEMAPHORB.

, APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 19, 1906.

907,482. Patented Dec. 22, 1908.

J E?" 'K9/07; Op Z M 'UNITED STATES OFFICE.

JOHN ERICKSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO FIRST TRUST AND SAVINGS B ANK, TRUSTEE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

SEMAPHORE Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec.- 22, 1908.

Application filed September 19, 1906. Serial No. 335,261.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN ERICKSON, a citizen of the United States of America, and resident of Chicago, Cook county, Illinois, have invented a certain new and usefulzImrovement in Semaphores, of which the folowing is a specification.`

My invention relates to semaphores in general, but more particularly to mechanical semaphores for indicating olf-normal positions of machinery or devices, and especially to semaphores for giving a signal whenever an automatic telephone switch, such as a selector or connector, is moved to an offnormal position.

The object of my invention is the provision of an improved and highly eicient form of semaphore adapted more particularly for use on automatic telephone switches, such as selectors and connectors, and for use in connection with other kinds' "of machinery and devices.

To the foregoing and other useful ends, my

invention consists in matters hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a sideelevation of a semaphore embodying the principles of my invention, showing the adjacent parts of an automatic telephone switch, such as a selector or connector. Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the semaphore in its displayed or signaling position. Fig. 8 is a horizontal section on line 3--3 in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a front or edge view of the said semaphore and its mounting.

As thus illustrated the selector or connector or other automatic switching machine is Cprovided with the usual rotatable and en wise-movable switch-shaft A. Normally said shaft is in the positior` shown in Fig. 1. As isvwell understood, however, the said shaft may be raised to the position shown in Fig. 2. Normally the said shaft is supported by the switch-frame 5, the shaft having the wellknown cam 10 which rests upon the said frame. The vertical motion, as is well known, is for the selection of groups or divisions or subdivisions of the eXchan e, while the rotary motion is to enable t e switch to seize a line in the selected group, which line may be either a trunk or a subscribers line, depending upon whether the switch is a selector or connector.

The semaphorevB comprises a frame or mounting 8 which is secured to the switchframe by screws 6 inserted through the brackets or attaching portions 7 of the said semaphore frame. It will be seen that these screws do not pass through the switch-frame, and in this way the semaphore frame can be readily clamped upon the switch-frame of any selector or connector, as the case may be. In other words, the semaphore can be applied as an attachment to an automatic telephone switch of this general character. The said frame 8 comprises two parallel walls arranged close together wit-h a slight space between, saidspace being sufficient to accommodate the fiat sheet-metal semaphore 9. This semaphore or movable mechanical signaling device 9 is pivoted at 15 and provided with a spring or projection 11 which is secured in place by rivets 12. In addition, the said movable semaphore has a projection or shoulder I3 adapted to engage the stop 14 carriedbv the lower portion of the frame S, thus limiting the outward tilting movement of the semaphore, as shown in Fig. 12. It will be seen that the said semaphore and its frame have an opening and closing or jaclchnife action, so to speak, the movable semaphore 9 being adapted to'swing between the two `liat side portions of the semaphore frame S. Thus, with the switch-shaft in the position shown in Fig. 1, the cam 10 engages Athe projection 11 and thus holds the movable semaphore 9 in its normal position between the flat side portions of the frame 8, indicating that the switch is in normal condition. A slight upward movement of the switch-shaft will, however, release the pivoted semaphore member 9, allowing it to fall outwardly, as shown in Fig. 2, indicating that the auto.- matic telephone switch is offnormal- When the switch is finally returned to its normal position thesemaphore is then also restored to normal position. In this way the attendant at the station where the switches are located can tell at a glance whether the switches are oil-normal or in their normal positions. It will be understood, of course, that the opposite surfaces of the pivoted semaphore member 9 can be painted red or white, or otherwise made capable of readily attracting the eye when the semaphore is displayed. Thus it will be seen that the semaphore is operated by the movement of the switch to select a group of liues-either sol trunks or subscribers lines-and the sema- I phore indicates the off-normal condition of the switch in this respect. W hat I claim as my invention is l 1. In a device ofthe class described, in l combination with a group-selecting switch, a semaphore frame having flat side members arranged close together, a flat semaphore pivoted at its lower end to swing between said side members, means for limiting the outward tilt or signaling movement of the semaphore, and means for releasing the f semaphore fromits normal position between ,i said side members, by motion of .said switch l to select a `group.

2. In a device of the class described, a rotatable and endwise-Inovable switch-shaft, a cam on said shaft, a semaphore frame, a pivl oted semaphore adapted to gravitate outwardly from between'the sides of said frame, and means on the semaphore for engaging said cam, adapted to permit the semaphore to tilt outwardly when the said shaft is moved endwise.

3. In a device of the class described, a rotatable and endwise-movable switch-shaft for an automatic telephone switch, a frame for said switch, a semaphore provided with l means for readily attachin it to said switchframe, and means on said saft for operating the semaphore and causing a display thereof I when the shaft moves endwise.

In a device of the class described, .an l automatic telephone switch, and a semall phore readily attachable to said switch, and detachable therefrom, adapted to be operated b initial movement of the switch from norma position.

l In a device of the class described, an f automatic telephone switch, and a semal'phore operated by said switch, adapted to be displayed by initial movement of the switch from normal position.

6. In a device ofthe class described, in combination with a group-selecting switch, a semaphore frame having flat side walls arranged` close together, means for mounting the said frame, 'a stop carried by the frame, a pivot on said frame, a Hat semaphore mounted at its lower end on said pivot and adapted to swing between the sides of said frame, means on said semaphore for engaging the stop to limit the outward swing of the semaphore, operating means, and means on said semaphore for engaging said operating lmeans, whereby said semaphore is operate by motion of the switch to select a group.

7. In a device of the class describe an automatic telephone switch,- a semaphore applied to said switch, and suitable means for causing a display of the semaphore when the subscriber actuates the switch from its normal position, and for restoring the semaphore when the switch is released and restored to normal. 8. In a device of the class described, the combination of a rotatable and endwisemovable switch shaft, adapted by its endwise motion to select a group, and indicating means responsive to the initial endwise motion of said shaft from normal osition.

Signed by ine at Chicago, ,look county, Illinois, this 14th day of September, 1906.

l', JOHN ERICKSON.

Witnesses:

EDWARD A. FALEs, BERNARD D. WILLIS. 

